ESCAPE.COM.AU . SUNDAY APRIL 15 . 2018 ESCAPE 2 9

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D E S T I N A T I O N ® T H A I L A N D D E S T I N A T I O N ® T H A I L A N D

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAINIn a scheme to resurrect soulful pockets of Bangkok’s old town precincts, shop house facades built a century ago are slowly restored to their architectural origins. However, behind the historic camouflage, a contemporary creative scene expresses itself in the form of art galleries, quirky inns and seriously spunky restaurants, bars and cafes.

Head to the port area southwest ofWat Pho temple and explore the soi (laneways) that connect Maha Rat Road to the Chao Phraya’s edge. Check out Elefin Coffee or Make Me Mango Cafe, but don’t miss Supanigga Eating Room for sunset cocktails and addictive snacking. A little further south, stroll along Song Wat Road, parallel to the river, stopping for sustenance at Pieces Cafe& Bed. Situated at Chinatown’s south eastern corner, on Nana, just off Maitri Chit Road, a colourful assortment of “entertainment” awaits – check out 23 Bar and Gallery, Teens of Thailand, Nahim Cafe x Handcraft, Tep Bar and Ba-Hao.

SHOUT TO THE TOPA rooftop bar’s novelty fades quickly when out of tune with its audience – fortunately Bangkok’s impressive ensemble are mostly on key. Perched high above the operatic staging of snaking headlight Morse code and lantern-lit island connections there’s an achingly cool relief system in place for the capital’s balmy eves.

Stars in your eyes? Be careful not torecreate the movie Hangover by sucking down too many frozenpop-tails at Sky Bar, one of the world’s

Impatient motorbikes compete for space in a covered bazaar that is surging with trashy treasure so cheap it sends even bargain shoppers into spasms.

Ambling forward, clutching bags oficy coffee laced with enough condensed milk to keep an elephant charging, the group lunges into an alley for golden, fried chicken wings and white guava slices dipped in chilli salt. Through Chinatown’s narrow streets, the banquet continues at a pace that’s guaranteed to satiate you.

loftiest drinking establishments.Seeking something tall, dark and

handsome? Peruse two sophisticated floors at The Speakeasy – think chocolate leather, wood panelling, cigars and martinis made with your choice of 20 gins.

Love the high life? Attitude, the glamorous cherry topping AVANI Riverside Hotel, offers dreamy drinks and dining, Bond-film worthy decor, views to swoon over and a sexy as all-get-out infinity pool. Talk about floating on air.

Putting a spin on the rooftop theme, The Commons offers groovin’ cookouts and other food-centric events in their Top Yard bar; handsome Brewski pours more than 100 craft beers and ciders; and Zense offers a chic retreat in shopping central – the perfect end to a shaken and stirred fashion frenzy.

EAT, SLEEP, RAVE, REPEAT In a town where people talk about food almost constantly, it won’t come as a surprise that even hotel offerings

are top-notch and Anantara’s Siam Bangkok Hotel is no exception. Sure, the lush breakfast buffet is as long and abundant as Sukhumvit Road, champagne flows in the lobby like the Mekong in rainy season and the luxe Biscotti rates as the city’s top Italian restaurant – but the hotel’s continued dedication to the wider culinary world is equally impressive. The annual World Gourmet Festival is hosted here, its collection of leading international chefs and winemakers connecting people and cultures in a

S K Y B A R

regal demonstration of Thai hospitality. The best part is that you can sleep where you eat, fully immersing yourself in the experience. But don’t venture outside without your complimentary mobile phone – you will need it to book restaurants, rouse Uber or map your walk to the hipsterish Talad Neon night market for highly Instagrammable edibles.

THE WRITER TR AVELLED AS A GUEST OF Q ANTAS AND ANANTAR A SIAM BANGKOK HOTEL

GETTING THERE Qantas operates a daily flight from

Sydney to Bangkok using an A330-300 aircraft in a two-class

configuration, with all-in Economy fares from $669 (from Sydney).

qantas.com

STAYING THERE Book directly through Anantara Siam

Bangkok to pamper yourself with their Short Break Special – two nights for

two people from $251. anantara.com

Plan 45 days ahead and receive 25 per cent off with their Advance

Purchase special – room rates start at $209 including a buffet breakfast.

B A N G K O K

E S C A P E R O U T E

*Conditions apply. SEE: travelmarvel.com.au/specialdeals for full conditions. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share and include port charges. Prices are correct as at 10 April 2018. Prices based on URVWVS17: 26 April 2019, URABWI23: 1 May 2019 and UREJWC28: 2 May 2019. Prices are inclusive of the Early Payment Discount. Prices are based on Ocean-View Staterooms on the Holland America Line cruises. The VIA Rail Journey on the URVWVS17 and The Rocky Mountaineer on the UREJWC28 maps is optional and is not included in the advertised price. Enquire for details. The flight from Montréal to Calgary on the UREJWC28 is not included in the advertised tour price. OFFERS: Limited seats on set departures are available and are subject to availability. DEPOSITS: A first non-refundable deposit of $1,000 pp is due within 7 days of booking. EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT: Applicable if tour is paid in full 10 months prior to departure. A $400 pp discount is applicable on Canada & Alaska tours of 17 days or more. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. TM4378

CANADA & ALASKA2019 PREVIEW OUT NOW!

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With the perfect balance of comprehensive inclusions, key sightseeing and more free time, Travelmarvel off ers premium journeys at truly exceptional value.ü Included – Guaranteed Ocean View Stateroom

on your Holland America Line Cruiseü Included – Premium accommodation throughout ü Included – Services of a

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ü Included – Key sightseeing, tipping, transfers, port charges, entrance fees and many meals

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*Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. A fee will apply for payments made by debit and credit cards. Please check this fee with us or your travel consultant when booking. Prices correct as at 5 April 18 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) are included in the advertised price. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. Package cancellation fees apply. ¿ These property ratings are Qantas Holidays’ views, not official ratings.¯ half-rating. ^You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available at qantas.com/terms. Qantas and Jetstar airfares must be purchased in conjunction with the booking. Bookings must be made through Qantas Holidays call centre or through a travel agent and Qantas Frequent Flyer number must be quoted at time of booking. Qantas Points will not be earned for cancelled bookings. Packages must include air and land components. The Qantas Holidays General Booking Conditions apply, available at http://www.qantasholidays.com.au/general-terms-conditions. Qantas Holidays Limited ABN 24 003 836 459. As to Disney Artwork, Logo and Properties: ©Disney QH_SCD_W1_SYD

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn 1 point^ per AU$1 spent on Qantas Holidays packages when combined with a Qantas or Jetstar Airfare. (excluding Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Pacific)

ON SALE UNTIL 4 MAY 2018

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VALID FOR TRAVEL: 20 Apr - 15 Jun, 1 Oct 18 - 31 Mar 19

VALID FOR TRAVEL: 20 Apr 18 - 31 Mar 19

VALID FOR TRAVEL: 20 Apr - 31 Mar 19

Click, call or see your preferred Travel Agent. 1300 443 485 qantasholidays.com.au

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